The FIA announced the removal of the controversial rule that forced drivers to perform two pit stops at the Formula 1 Monaco GP, which was implemented in the 2025 season. The change was made as part of updates to the category’s sporting regulations, seeking to improve race dynamics on a circuit traditionally difficult for overtaking.
Read more F1: Croft sees Red Bull as fourth force in 2026
This rule was introduced at the 2025 Monaco GP as an attempt to increase strategic variation, forcing drivers to use at least three sets of tires during the race, instead of the traditional two. However, the innovation did not bring the expected results, with teams using the strategy to their advantage and managing tires more efficiently, without increasing the excitement of the race.
Driver Isack Hadjar, for example, managed to gain enough time to stay ahead of Liam Lawson, while Max Verstappen, by opting for a late pit stop, ended up falling to fourth position, allowing Charles Leclerc to close in. At the end of the race, a one-minute gap between Lewis Hamilton, in fifth, and Hadjar, in sixth, highlighted the lack of excitement generated by the change.
Read more F1: Wolff confirms Ben Sulayem’s support for Mercedes in engine controversy
Although the rule has been removed for 2026, Hamilton suggested that F1 should continue exploring innovations to improve racing in Monaco, given the historical importance of the event: “The track is incredible, but it is still very difficult to overtake. We need to keep trying ways to make the races more exciting,” said the seven-time Formula 1 champion.
With the change, the 2026 Monaco GP will return to the traditional format, without the requirement of an extra pit stop, while the race approaches its new date, on the weekend of June 05 to 07, after a swap with the Canadian GP.
Read more F1: Verstappen praises new Red Bull engine, but downplays victory expectations
